Back

adv. To the rear; backward; In a reverse direction. Also, in arrear.

— Bach lands. A term of no very definite import, but generally signifying lands lying back from (not contiguous to) a highway or a watercourse. See Ryerss v. Wheeler, 22 Wend. (N. Y) 150.

— Back taxes. Those assessed for a previous year or years and remaining due and unpaid from the original tax debtor. M. E. Church v. New Orleans, 107 La. 611, 32 South. 101; Gaines v. Galbraeth, 14 Lea (Tenn) 363.

— Backwater. Water in a stream which, in consequence of some dam or obstruction below, is detained or checked in its course, or flows back. Hodges v. Raymond, 9 Mass. 316 ; Chambers v. Kyle, 87 Ind. 85. Water caused to flow backward from a steam-vessel by reason of the action of its wheels or screw.

v. To indorse; to sign on the back; to sign generally by way of acceptance or approval. Where a warrant issued in one county is presented to a magistrate of another county and he signs it for the purpose of making it executory in his county, he is said to "back" it. 4 Bl. Comm. 291. So an indorser of a note or bill is colloquially said to "back" it. Seabury v. Hungerford, 2 Hill (N. Y.) 80.

To indorse, sign: as, to back a process or writ. The warrant of a justice of the peace in one county must be backed, that is, signed, by a justice in another county, before it can be executed there. This practice prevailed for a long period prior to authorization by statute.' Under extradition treaties, an officer of government, usually the secretary of state, may indorse or back a. warrant of JEirrest.